# Janine With Child Care Choices Part 2 - Newsmakers, Ep.44

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/news-makers-presented-by-the-tippecanoe-gazette-7084212/janine-with-child-care-choices-part-2-newsmakers-ep-44
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/news-makers-presented-by-the-tippecanoe-gazette-7084212/janine-with-child-care-choices-part-2-newsmakers-ep-44.md
Podcast: [News Makers, presented by the Tippecanoe Gazette](https://stenobird.com/podcast/news-makers-presented-by-the-tippecanoe-gazette-7084212)
Published: 2026-06-29T17:00:00+00:00
Episode link: http://www.tippecanoegazette.com
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/1058d988-d85b-4391-ab7a-0c900928b360.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1588

## Resource

Real-Life Child Care Challenges Facing Miami County Families By Abbi Heckel The conversation surrounding childcare affordability and accessibility continued in Part 2 of the Newsmakers Podcast , sponsored by the Tippecanoe Gazette and hosted by Greg Enslen. Representatives from Child Care Choices of Miami County returned to the studio alongside local parent advocates to share personal stories highlighting the growing challenges families face when searching for quality childcare. Joining Executive Director Janine Rigg were Sarah Laughlin and Sierra Westcott, two Miami County mothers who recently traveled to Washington, D.C., as part of a Child Care Aware of America advocacy initiative. Their mission was simple but powerful: put real faces and real stories behind the statistics lawmakers often see when discussing childcare policy. The trip brought together childcare advocates from across the nation to meet with congressional representatives and their staff members. Child Care Choices was unique among participating organizations, serving a single county rather than an entire state or region. Despite its smaller footprint, the organization's impact resonated strongly throughout the discussions. Laughlin shared her family's journey navigating the childcare system after losing a trusted babysitter when a family member returned to work. As a self-employed massage therapist and mother of three boys with another child on the way, she described the difficulties of finding affordable childcare options while balancing work responsibilities. Her search led her to Head Start, where she experienced firsthand both the benefits and frustrations of waiting lists and limited availability. Although her children eventually secured placements, uncertainty surrounding funding and available c…

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